Employees who are injured or hurt on the job can file a claim for workers compensation benefits, regardless of fault. In turn, their employer or its insurer will then pay for medical expenses and lost wages for the time period when the worker is recovering from the injuries. Unfortunately, for some injured workers, receiving workers compensation benefits is more complex or difficult than they initially anticipated and they wonder if they should get a workers compensation attorney.
After a work injury or when dealing with an occupational illness, you may not know what to expect or if you really need a workers compensation attorney. Consider the 3 reasons below to understand if you should contact an attorney.
You suffered a serious injury or illness.
Under New Jersey’s workers compensation system, injured workers may be eligible for temporary, permanent, partial, and/or total disability. An attorney will bring in experts and build a strong case to receive the maximum level of benefits by law. Oftentimes, insurance companies may improperly classify a disability in order to pay less benefits. Many injury clients appreciate an experienced, trusted ally on their side, as attorneys represent you when communicating and negotiating with the employer or insurer.
Your claim or request for treatment is denied.
Injured workers must follow strict guidelines and rules around reporting their injury and requesting treatment authorization. Or, the insurance company may say your injury was pre-existing or not the results of a workplace condition or accident, especially with chronic or long-term illnesses. A workers compensation lawyer will investigate your case and build evidence to prove your injuries were work-related and any extenuating circumstances that may be at play.
Another party was involved in the accident
If a third-party was involved or may be involved in the cause of your accident or injury, it’s best to speak with an experienced workers compensation lawyer. For instance, if you suffered an injury from machinery, the manufacturer of the machine or parts of it may be liable for your injury. Another common third-party defendant in a work-related personal injury case is the general contractor on a construction site.
Generally, it’s not possible to sue your employer for personal injury related to a work accident; however, you may have a personal injury case against a third party who holds some responsibility or liability for your losses.
Get Help for your Workers Compensation Claim
You have the right to file a claim for benefits after suffering a work-related injury; however, receiving fair compensation for your bills and lost wages can be challenging. An experienced workers comp attorney can handle your case and make sure you get the benefits you need to recover from your injury and move forward.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout New Jersey and New York with their workers’ compensation cases. We have years of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. If you’ve been injured or your claim has recently been denied, contact us immediately to understand your options.